Christmas decorations return to Newport mansions

Saturday

Exhibit by the late New York Times photographer Bill Cunningham will be on display at Rosecliff.

NEWPORT, R.I. — The most wonderful time of the year began this weekend, when the Christmas spirit returned to the Newport Mansions.

The Breakers, The Elms and Marble House opened last weekend, with Rosecliff following on Dec. 2. The houses will be open daily for tours through Jan. 1, except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

A new exhibition at Rosecliff, "Bill Cunningham: Facades," will feature photos by the late New York Times photographer. Another new element this year will be the contemporary holiday tablescapes in the Marble House, The Breakers and The Elms by professional event designers.

The decor is curated to match the historic elements of each mansion, and a variety of newly imagined items will be included. A total of 25 Christmas trees will be on display throughout the houses. The traditional 15-foot tall red poinsettia tree will once again be in the Great Hall of The Breakers.

In the continuation of an annual tradition, fourth-grade students from Newport's Pell School will make decorations for the eight potted trees that will be displayed in the kitchen of The Breakers.

At The Elms, a cluster of three angel-themed Christmas trees in the Ballroom will provide a photo backdrop for visitors.

Rosecliff will be closed until Dec. 1 to accommodate rehearsals and performances of the Island Moving Company's annual production of "The Newport Nutcracker."

Children can visit with Santa Claus in a spectacular setting from noon to 3 p.m. at The Breakers on Dec. 2, Marble House on Dec. 9, and The Elms on Dec. 16. The visit with Santa is included in the regular admission price.

Holiday Evenings at the Newport Mansions allow guests to stroll at their leisure through the decorated house, listening to live holiday music and enjoying cookies, eggnog and cider. They’re scheduled at The Breakers for Saturdays, Nov. 24, Dec. 1, 8, 22 and 29, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. On Dec. 15, guests can enjoy a Holiday Evening Duet: The Elms and Marble House, and see both of those houses for the price of one, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Admission to Holiday Evenings is $35 in advance, $45 day-of the event. Children 6-17 are admitted for $10 in advance, $15 day-of. Children under the age of 6 are admitted free. Preservation Society members enjoy reduced admission, $30 in advance, $35 day-of.

On Dec. 15, a single ticket provides admission to The Elms and Marble House, as well as shuttle service operating between the two houses.

A Winter Passport ticket providing daytime admission to up to four houses can be purchased for $30 for adults, $10 for children 6-17. Children under the age of 6 are admitted free. Individual house tickets are also available. Tickets can be purchased online at NewportMansions.org, or at each property. The Breakers and Rosecliff open at 9 a.m.; The Elms and Marble House open at 10 a.m. Last admission at all mansions is 4 p.m., with the exception of special evening programs.

More information and tickets are available online at NewportMansions.org, or call 401-847-1000.